[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[June 6, 2001]
[Pages 620-621]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Completion of the North Korea Policy Review
June 6, 2001

    Over the past several months, my administration has been reviewing 
our policy towards North Korea. We have recently discussed the results 
of our thinking with our close allies, South Korea and Japan.
    We have now completed our review. I have directed my national 
security team to undertake serious discussions with North Korea on a 
broad agenda to include: improved implementation of the Agreed Framework 
relating to North Korea's nuclear activities; verifiable constraints on 
North Korea's missile programs and a ban on its missile exports; and a 
less threatening conventional military posture.
    We will pursue these discussions in the context of a comprehensive 
approach to North Korea which will seek to encourage progress toward 
North-South reconciliation, peace on the Korean Peninsula, a 
constructive relationship with the United States, and greater stability 
in the region. These are the goals South Korean President Kim Dae-jung 
and I discussed during his visit here last March. I look forward to 
working with him.
    Our approach will offer North Korea the opportunity to demonstrate 
the seriousness of its desire for improved relations. If North Korea 
responds affirmatively and takes appropriate action, we will expand our 
efforts to help the North Korean people, ease sanctions, and take other 
political steps.
    I have asked Secretary of State Powell to outline our approach to 
South Korean

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Foreign Minister Han when they meet tomorrow here in Washington, and we 
will also inform our allies in Japan.

Note: The statement referred to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade 
Han Song-su of South Korea.